Chronic venous insufficiency of the lower limbs is very prevalent.
In recent decades, Doppler ultrasound has become the method of choice to study this condition,
and it is considered essential when surgery is indicated.
This article aims to establish a method for the examination, including venous mapping and
preoperative marking. To this end, we review the venous anatomy of the lower limbs and the
pathophysiology of chronic venous insufficiency and explain the basic hemodynamic concepts
and the terminology required to elaborate a radiological report that will enable appropriate
treatment planning and communication with other specialists.
We briefly explain the CHIVA (the acronym for the French term ‘‘cure conservatrice et hémodynamique
de l’insuffisance veineuse en ambulatoire’’ = conservative hemodynamic treatment
for chronic venous insufficiency) strategy, a minimally invasive surgical strategy that aims to
restore correct venous hemodynamics without resecting the saphenous vein.